The Finland-based company is in the process of selling its device business to Microsoft (MSFT), and its shareholders approved the deal in a vote on Tuesday.

Nokia, which will be left with its NSN networks business, was said to be weighing acquisitions for when the $7.2 billion transaction with Microsoft closes early next year.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Nokia decided against initiating formal talks with Alcatel-Lucent.

The French company’s IP-routing and wireless division were of particular interest to Nokia, the report noted.

The Journal said one person familiar with Nokia’s plans said it will likely reconsider a potential deal with Alcatel-Lucent periodically.

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Talk of a deal between Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent has long been the subject of speculation. The two sides discussed potential tie-ups as recently as late 2012 and early this year, according to the newspaper.

A Nokia spokesperson said the company never comments on rumors or speculation.

Last month, Alcatel-Lucent revealed plans to slash a net total of 10,000 jobs, or 15% of its global workforce, in an attempt to stem billions of euros in losses.

The company has logged just one full-year profit since its creation seven years ago. A restructuring plan led by Chief Executive Michel Combes aims to cut $1.36 billion in costs, sell $1.36 billion in assets and turn the company’s attention away from older products.